Just kidding. More events coming

July 11: Festival of AAPI Books - Romance Authors Panel

July 26: Unfinished Business Book Launch - Clare Osongco, in coversation with Carolyn Huynh and me!

Both events are hosted by the wonderful Bel Canto Books!

So much for staying off-line this summer. I had very good intentions, but I get important DMs through Instagram and I easily cracked the password my husband created. But it was nice being offline while it lasted. It did help me clear my head and blissfully ignore online book discourse.

The nice thing about being even temporarily offline is that my IRL connections with author friends and independent bookstores still reached out to me to check in or do events. I’ll admit it’s nice to be thought of! I’m grateful I have such fun/talented/generous author friends and that I’ve met incredible, enthusiastic booksellers. All that to say, stay tuned. I may have a few more events later this year.

I’m kind of online, mainly to post updates. If you see me lurking around, no you didn’t.

• Mahjong update: I taught my kids how to play mahjong and they love it! I’m glad the Saturday Chinese school I made them attend was good for something because they at least know their numbers. My husband on the other hand may need to print out a cheat sheet for himself.

• Currently reading: I just finished Unfinished Business by Clare Osongco and it consumed me the same way Clare’s debut did. I was already intrigued by Ruby’s mom haunting her Slack, but the book took a lot of turns that kept me guessing. Like was the vibe Materialists meets Disoriented? Is it a horror story because Ruby still has to deal with her mom’s strong opinions about her love life, post-death? I do know this: I’m a sucker for characters who are still hung up on kissing their high school best friend and the kind of humor that sneaks up on you (much like the ghost of your mother haunting your Slack account). I have so many things I want to ask Clare and I’m saving it for her book event at Bel Canto Books next month. Swing by if you can.

• Currently watching: I’m kind of in between shows right now. I just finished My Royal Nemesis (kdrama, Netflix). Lately, everywhere I go, a World Cup game is on (even at the dentist’s office). I’m not really into soccer, but it has been cool to see people excited for the World Cup around LA. Can’t wait to see how it’ll be when LA hosts the Olympics.

Hope your summer is going well so far. Stay cool out there.